Proposals from the R&A and the USGA to "significantly change the Rules of Golf have received a mixed reaction from the sport’s leading players," according to SKY SPORTS. The alterations "would include the elimination of penalties for balls moving on the green and a reduction in time a player can search for a lost ball, with the number of rules reduced from 34 to 24." World No. 1 Dustin Johnson was "one of a number of golfers to publicly praise the proposals," which would come into effect from the start of '19, "although several others openly criticised the plans." Johnson said, "I think some of the rule changes are really good and I think they're trying to simplify the rules a little bit, so that there's not so much confusion." Ian Poulter tweeted, "I'm so happy the R&A and the USGA are addressing the complex very confusing rule book. Common sense will help all enjoy the game of golf." Graham DeLaet said in a social media statement, "We should have our own book and distance ourselves from amateur governing bodies. Fact is, there's an old boys club based in New Jersey that have never hit a shot on Tour who make decisions that affect our families....and the best part...they don't even know the rules!" Daniel Berger tweeted, "Maybe there should be professional rules and amateur rules because I'm not getting a good vibe about some of these proposed changes" (SKY SPORTS, 3/2).
